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Subaru Forester Hybrid vs Toyota RAV4 Hybrid spec comparison

Subaru's first ever hybrid arrives ready to do battle with Toyota's accomplished RAV4 Hybrid

2019 Toyota Rav 4 Vs Subaru Forester Comparison 4 Jpg
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There are plenty of similarities but also lots of differences between the two mainstream sub-$40,000 hybrid SUVs now on sale.

Joining the Toyota RAV4 Hybrid that arrived in 2019, the Subaru Forester Hybrid that’s just gone on sale also uses an existing body kitted out with an electric motor to reduce fuel use.

Subaru Forester Hybrid L Front Side Static Jpg
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While we haven’t got behind the wheel of new Forester Hybrid yet, we’ve crunched the numbers for a detailed look at how it stacks up.

Priced from $39,990 it’s almost $5000 more than the most affordable RAV4 Hybrid.

However, that RAV doesn’t get a four-wheel drive system, something that adds $3000, significantly narrowing that gap.

Hr 2019 Toyota Rav 4 Cruiser 04 Jpg
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The Subaru needs to be serviced every 12 months or 12,500km and will cost $2433.02 for the first five years or 62,500km.

The Toyota can go slightly further between check-ups – 12 months and 15,000km – and is cheaper to service, costing $860 for the first four years or 60,000km.

While the RAV4 has wireless phone charging on some models and satellite-navigation across the range (it’s only on the more expensive Forester), it’s a rare win when comparing features.

The Forester fights back with tyre pressure monitors and a facial recognition system that can be used to set the seating position as well as monitor the driver’s alertness.

Subaru E Boxer Hybrid Chassis Jpg
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Looking at the hybrid system, the RAV4 also gets older nickel metal hydride battery tech, which is inferior to the lithium ion batteries fitted to the Subaru – and also used in all pure electric cars.

But the Toyota fights back with the size of its hybrid system.

The electric motor that powers the front wheels makes 88kW and you can add a 40kW rear electric motor as part of the AWD system. The Toyota also gets a more powerful 131kW 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine. Combined output is 160kW.

Hr 2019 Toyota Rav 4 Cruiser 06 Jpg
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In comparison the Subaru’s hybrid setup is a mild-hybrid with a modest 12kW electric motor. The petrol engine is also a 2.0-litre, so smaller than is fitted to the regular Foresters.

Subaru doesn’t quote a combined power output, but with 110kW from the petrol engine it clearly can’t match the Toyota.

Subaru Forester Hybrid S Front Side Static Jpg
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Subaru Impreza 2020 update

Looking at the official fuel numbers, the Subaru also loses out on claimed consumption.

According to the official fuel numbers the Forester Hybrid uses 6.7 litres per 100km, which is around 10 percent better than a regular Forester.

The RAV4 uses 4.7L/100km, or 4.8L/100km for the AWD model.

Subaru Forester Hybrid L Rear Side Static Jpg
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Subaru claims the fuel consumption benefits double if you confine the Forester Hybrid to city driving, with fuel use at 7.5L/100km.

But it’s still thirstier than the RAV4, which uses the same amount as it does in town as for its overall number.

But Subaru fights back with off-road ability. Subaru has long worked on ensuring the Forester is a leader in its class, with confident rock-hopping ability.

Subaru claims the Hybrid is more capable than a regular Forester, mainly because the electric motor better allows torque distribution on slippery surfaces.

Subaru Forester Hybrid Badge Jpg
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Its basic design better keeps components such as the front bumper out of the way and there’s a full 220mm of ground clearance, well up on the 190mm of the RAV4.

It’s that promise of better off-road performance that Subaru Australia boss Colin Christie believes will tempt adventurous buyers and those who may one day want to get the tyres dirty.

It’s a shame the Forester Hybrid doesn’t have a spare tyre, whereas the RAV4 at least gets a space saver.

2019 Toyota Rav 4 Vs Subaru Forester Comparison 4 Jpg
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So, on paper (remember, we haven’t driven the Forester Hybrid yet) the RAV4 looks the better bet for family duties and around town, where its claimed lower fuel use will be appreciated.

But for those looking to explore or head off-road, the Forester could be the better bet.

 

Price:

AWD system:

Engine:

Power/torque:

Main electric motor:

Rear electric motor:

Combined power:

Transmission:

Length/width/height:

Wheelbase:

Weight:

Fuel type:

Fuel use (average):

Fuel use (city):

Fuel use (country):

Battery type:

Battery capacity:

Battery warranty:

Servicing costs:

Spare tyre:

Boot capacity:

Tow capacity:

Subaru Forester Hybrid

From $39,990

Standard

2.0-litre 4-cyl boxer

110kW/196Nm

12kW/66Nm

NA

NA

CVT auto

4625mm/1815mm/1730mm

2670mm

1603-1642kg

Regular unleaded

6.7L/100km

7.5L/100km

6.2L/100km

Lithium-ion

0.6kWh

8 years/160,000km

$2433.02 (5 yrs, 62,500km)

None

509L

1200kg

Toyota RAV4 Hybrid

From $35,140

$3000 extra

2.5-litre inline 4-cyl

131kW/221Nm

88kW/202Nm

40kW/121Nm (AWD model)

160kW (2WD), 163kW (AWD)

CVT auto

4600mm/1855mm/1685mm

2690mm

1650-1745kg

Regular unleaded

4.7L/100km (2WD), 4.8L/100km (AWD)

4.8L/100km (2WD), 5.0L/100km (AWD)

4.7L/100km (2WD), 4.8L/100km (AWD)

Nickel metal hydride

1.6kWh

10 year/unlimited km

$860 (4 yrs, 60,000km)

Space saver

542L

480kg (2WD), 1500kg (AWD)

Toby Hagon

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